016 · Home Tutoring

Do you have what it takes to teach certain subjects to children and teenagers who are having difficulty in school? Then this is a great way to earn extra or full income, while being (very) useful. Because tutoring not only helps to reduce educational inequalities by providing valuable assistance to those who need it most, but it also offers the opportunity to enrich your own teaching skills by discovering new methods tailored to each student. Let’s explore all of this in detail.

• Here's the program
• Introduction
• What qualifications and qualities are required?
• What subjects should you choose for tutoring?
• How to choose the right level of teaching
• How to structure your tutoring sessions
• Where to give lessons?
• How to find students
• How much do you charge for your courses
• 6 other ways to earn money as a tutor
• Tips and tricks
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

Introduction

Many children and teenagers have difficulty following certain courses. Sometimes it’s just a few subtleties that they don’t understand, but in other cases, they just don’t get it. And when we know that today’s children are tomorrow’s adults, we quickly understand why it is important to help them as much as possible.

No child is stupid (except in rare cases); it is simply the method that is lacking. And the teachers who give up by saying that such or such student is simply unable to assimilate such or such subject are just admitting their own failure. Failure for which I specify that they are not the only ones responsible because they also often lack the means to do their job properly (obsolete or non-existent material, crowded classes, insufficient salary, etc.), when the problem does not come from the family unit itself… And it is there that tutoring can intervene to change things.

Tutoring thus offers a valuable alternative to the traditional educational system by providing a more individualized and attentive approach. It also allows for tailored responses to each student’s specific needs, focusing on the precise areas where they struggle.

Outside the strict framework of school, this type of support creates a more relaxed learning environment, where the student can ask all the questions they might not dare to ask in class, without the fear of being judged by the others. This more personal and flexible approach can unlock seemingly insurmountable situations and restore the confidence the student needs to progress.

Furthermore, tutoring is not just about filling academic gaps. It’s also a way to encourage young people to develop an effective work method, structure their ideas, and strengthen their autonomy in the face of academic challenges. In an environment where the pace and demands can sometimes seem overwhelming, personalized support can have a decisive impact, not only on the academic front but also in building their self-confidence.

Teachers do their best with the resources they have, but in often overcrowded classrooms, they don’t always have the time to attend to each student individually. When a student falls behind, they risk not keeping up, which can lead to failure. This is where a tutor can play an essential role by providing the necessary support.

What qualifications and qualities are required?

First of all, you don’t need to have a degree to start this activity. And even if you are a teenager still studying, there is nothing preventing you from doing it. The condition is, of course, that you know the different subjects you will be teaching well enough. Parents may ask you to bring proof that you have already acquired the knowledge their child will need (diplomas, exam results, tests…), which is legitimate.

Another important point is that you must have certain qualities that are indispensable for tutoring: rigor, punctuality, patience, being caring, motivated, organized and didactic, knowing how to listen and understand the needs of the child… Without this, you risk being a poor tutor. Deciding to teach means taking responsibility. Don’t take the plunge if you don’t have real motivation and if you really feel capable. Again, the future of your students is in your hands.

Beyond human qualities, understanding different pedagogical approaches and knowing how to adapt your method according to each student’s profile can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your teaching. Gaining a basic understanding of pedagogy, whether through hands-on experience or online courses, can equip you with valuable tools to better support your students’ progress.

Lastly, good time management is essential to be effective. You must not only adhere to the schedules agreed upon with families but also know how to structure your sessions to optimize every minute spent with the student. This means being able to plan your lessons, set clear objectives, and regularly assess the progress made. Rigorous organization can make the difference between a productive session and an hour spent without a real impact on the student’s learning.

What subjects should you choose for tutoring?

The possibilities for home tutoring are vast and can be adapted to a wide range of skills. Whether you are an expert in an academic discipline or have practical skills in a specific field, there are numerous subjects you can share with students.

Some subjects, however, are more in demand than others, offering a broad field of action for tutoring:

• Sciences: Biology, physics, chemistry.
• Mathematics: From primary level to higher education.
• Languages: French, English, Spanish, or any other language you master.
• Music: Instrumental, singing, music theory.
• Philosophy: Introduction to critical thinking and analysis.
• Computer Science: Programming, office automation, networks.
• Theoretical and practical courses in certain trades: Electrician, photographer, accountant, etc.

These are just a few examples, and you can certainly teach other subjects according to your skills and interests.

Music teachers are not the most sought-after for tutoring, but the demand is still strong because more and more parents want their children to be able to play a musical instrument.

How to choose the right level of teaching

Choosing the right level of teaching is essential to ensure quality support for your students. The first step is to honestly assess your skills and knowledge in the subjects you want to teach. It is important to focus on the school levels where you feel most comfortable.

If you excel in certain subjects but haven’t taught at a certain level in a while, take the time to review the concepts and current curricula before committing. And if you’re unsure of your ability to teach effectively at an advanced level, it might be wiser to focus on the levels you fully master.

Another important consideration is the complexity of the subjects you will be teaching. As students advance, certain topics can become more technical, which may necessitate a deeper level of expertise. Therefore, it is important to choose a level where, in addition to teaching the basics, you can answer the more complex questions your students might ask.

How to structure your tutoring sessions

If you are a teacher or an ex-teacher, you won’t have too much trouble finding your bearings. But if you are not, I advise you to learn a method that will allow you to structure the way you teach your lessons. For this, there are online training platforms that will help you acquire all the necessary tools fairly quickly. Check out sites like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, EdX, Skillshare, or Coursera using keywords like “pedagogy,” “teaching,” “becoming a teacher,” or similar ones during your search.

Once you have the basics down, you can start teaching and then optimize your effectiveness as you go along. But each child is unique and has his or her own learning pace, so you will probably have to “vary the angle of the sail” to best adapt.

You will have to learn to listen to the student, understand their needs, identify their weaknesses, know if they need help just for their homework, for a particular exam, or if they need to review all the basics… All this information will be essential for you to be able to act directly where it is necessary.

It is also important to diversify the teaching methods used. Some students learn better by handling concrete objects, others by visualizing concepts through diagrams or videos, and still others through writing and repetition. By varying your approaches, you increase the chances of finding the method that best suits them.

One of the first essential steps is to establish a personalized lesson plan. This plan should outline the content to be covered and incorporate time for review and assessment to track the student’s progress. A good lesson plan should be flexible enough to adapt to the student’s specific needs while remaining sufficiently structured to ensure coherent progression.

Regular communication with parents can also be very helpful. Keeping them informed of their child’s progress and any necessary adjustments helps maintain a positive dynamic and strengthens the effectiveness of the tutoring. This collaboration helps create a supportive environment around the student, who will feel more encouraged in their efforts.

Where to give lessons?

In the vast majority of cases, you will give your lessons at the student’s home, where he or she feels most comfortable and can therefore theoretically concentrate better. This depends, of course, on the family and environmental context. It will be difficult to work if the neighbor is working on his house or if the parents are fighting all day. In some cases, therefore, you could give your lessons at home, if possible, or in any other quiet place that is conducive to teaching (library, park, sunny terrace of a bistro…).

Wherever the lessons take place, it is important to clearly define the practical arrangements with the parents and the student. For example, make sure the meeting place is agreed upon in advance, that the student has the necessary materials (notebooks, books, computer, etc.), and that potential distractions are minimized. It is also essential to set rules to ensure the smooth running of the sessions, such as punctuality or the use of phones during the lesson.

You will find it much easier to find students to help in cities because the population density is very high, but what about those who live in remote and sparsely populated areas? In this case, the Internet can be the ideal solution and sometimes the only one. There are all sorts of tools, often free, that will allow you to teach your courses at a distance. Among them, there is Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, Line, Hangouts, Anydesk, TeamViewer, Zoom, etc. Teaching remotely is certainly less efficient and cannot accommodate all types of courses, but sometimes it is the only solution for some children.

In this case, the effectiveness will depend on the quality of the internet connection and the student’s proficiency with digital tools. Plan for an initial session to test the chosen platform and address any technical issues before starting the actual lessons. I also suggest sending the necessary documents or materials in advance so that the student can review them during the session.

If you want to learn more about online tutoring, I recommend checking out my article “Becoming an Online Tutor.” You’ll find plenty of information and tips on how to organize your online lessons and make the most of digital tools.

Superprof is one of the best platforms for finding students and offering private lessons in a wide variety of subjects, whether online or in person.

How to find students

There are many ways to find students in need of tutoring. Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Place ads: Post advertisements in local shops such as supermarkets, bakeries, grocery stores, or bookstores in your neighborhood.
• Use social media: Promote your services on your personal or professional accounts, and consider investing in paid ads to reach a wider audience.
• Visit schools: Visit educational institutions, talk to teachers, and distribute business cards or flyers to parents waiting for their children outside.
• Register on specialized platforms: Join sites dedicated to connecting tutors with students, like Superprof, Apprentus or Wyzant. A simple localized Google search can also help you find other popular platforms in your area.

These various strategies will help you maximize your chances of finding students and growing your tutoring business.

How much do you charge for your courses?

The hourly rate varies depending on your age and qualifications (a teenager will not necessarily earn the same as a retired teacher). Sometimes parents will make an offer, but if not, find out what the rates are in your area. In France and Belgium, tutors generally make between 15€ and 25€ per hour while in the US this amount is between $10 to $40.

If you want to estimate your rate more accurately, you need to consider the student’s level of education and the complexity of the subjects being taught. For instance, high school or college-level courses, particularly in mathematics or sciences, may justify a higher rate. Similarly, if you offer specialized courses, such as exam preparation or homework help in a foreign language, you can adjust your rate accordingly.

Don’t forget to account for additional expenses, such as travel costs or the purchase of educational materials. If you need to travel a significant distance to give your lessons, include a mileage fee or slightly increase your hourly rate to cover these costs.

You can also offer discounted rates for families who commit to multiple hours of tutoring per week or have several children needing lessons. This approach can incentivize parents to book more hours while providing you with a steady stream of income.

Finally, don’t hesitate to adjust your prices over time based on your experience and demand. Also, keep an eye on local market fluctuations to stay competitive while fairly valuing your work.

6 other ways to make money as a tutor

There are multiple ways to make your tutoring activity profitable. If you are struggling to find students or simply want to diversify your activities and break free from your daily routine, here is a list presenting different other ways to earn money as a tutor.

• Organize group sessions : Offer small group tutoring sessions for students of the same level. For example, you can organize revision workshops before exams or weekly support classes for a group of students. This method allows you to earn more per hour while offering a reduced rate per student.
• Partnering with schools, educational centers, or local organizations : This can help you grow your client base. These institutions can recommend you to their students for private lessons or even hire you to conduct on-site educational workshops.
• Offer intensive courses during school holidays : Holiday periods are often ideal for organizing intensive courses over several days on a specific subject. These courses allow students to strengthen their skills in a targeted way and provide a substantial source of income over a short period.
• Offer exam preparation services : Specialize in preparing students for important exams like the baccalaureate, the brevet, or other certifications. By developing expertise in this area, you can justify higher rates and attract students who are particularly motivated to succeed.
• Offer thematic courses or workshops : Depending on your area of expertise, you can organize thematic courses or workshops on specific topics, such as improving reading skills, study methodology, or introducing a particular discipline (philosophy, sciences, etc.).
• Work with charitable organizations or NGOs : You can offer your services to associations or NGOs that support youth education. While this often starts as volunteer work, these organizations can recommend you to families or institutions willing to pay for additional services.

As a tutor, you will also spend a lot of time preparing your lessons, correcting your students’ homework and tests, as well as planning teaching strategies or searching for educational resources.

Tips and tricks

Putting the idea of home tutoring into practice requires more than just teaching skills. To maximize your chances of success and offer a quality service, here are some additional tips that will help you stand out and provide an enriching experience for your students.

• Develop an online presence : Create a website or blog to offer advice, educational resources, and testimonials from students or parents. This will enhance your online presence and help you attract more potential students.
• Personalize educational materials : Create review sheets, interactive exercises, or explanatory videos tailored to each student’s specific needs. This shows your commitment and helps students progress more effectively.
• Use time management tools : Utilize time management apps like Trello or Asana to organize your lessons, track your students’ progress, and manage your administrative tasks. This will help you stay organized and maximize your efficiency.
• Offer free follow-up sessions : Provide short follow-up sessions for free after a certain number of lessons. This will reinforce students’ learning and demonstrate your commitment to their long-term success.
• Build a local network : Collaborate with other teachers, schools, or local associations to get your name out there and expand your network of potential students. Positive word-of-mouth can greatly increase your clientele.
• Offer trial lessons : Propose a first trial lesson for free or at a reduced rate. This allows parents and students to experience your teaching method before committing long-term.
• Regularly evaluate your method : After each session, take a few minutes to assess what worked well and what could be improved. Adjust your approach based on student feedback to continuously improve your effectiveness.
• Vary educational activities : Alternate between explanations, practical exercises, discussions, and educational games to keep your students engaged and ensure they stay motivated.
• Incorporate active breaks : During long sessions, include short active breaks to allow the student to relax and return to learning with renewed energy.
• Encourage autonomy : Offer challenges or projects that the student can complete independently between sessions. This stimulates their engagement and reinforces the skills acquired during lessons.

If neither the student’s home nor yours is suitable for private lessons, the municipal library can be an excellent alternative. However, be sure to remain discreet and speak in a low voice to avoid disturbing others.

Conclusion

Teaching is the most beautiful profession in the world. The transmitters of knowledge have the crucial task of helping the younger generation to find their place in tomorrow’s society. Some students have more difficulty than others and find themselves lagging behind or even dropping out of school, despite all the efforts of teachers who do what they can with the means at hand.

These young people, whose parents often don’t have the time or are sometimes overwhelmed because they don’t understand much themselves, find that they are in a situation of distress that sometimes simply pushes them to give up any dream of a future. And this is where the intervention of tutoring can be decisive. This is where you could make a difference.

Of course, this activity is mainly for those who have the required qualities I mentioned above and who are not looking just to earn money. So, if this description fits your profile, don’t hesitate and go for it.

What about you? What’s your opinion on this? Does it interest you? What aspects make you hesitate? Feel free to share your comments at the bottom of this article.